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Aston Villa now offered Ruben Loftus-Cheek alongside Tammy Abraham
Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign a ‘fantastic’ ex-Chelsea player alongside Tammy Abraham, with talks still ongoing over a deal for the latter.
Villa in ‘complex’ Tammy Abraham negotiations
Villa’s pursuit of Abraham has encountered significant obstacles despite the striker reportedly agreeing personal terms, with Unai Emery also exploring alternative attacking options.
David Ornstein reported that negotiations have proved ‘complex’ due to Abraham’s loan in Turkey, specifically a purchase obligation held by Besiktas from Roma.
David Ornstein: Aston Villa eyeing Premier League striker amid Abraham roadblock
The Villans may not strike a reunion with their former star after all.
Villa officials travelled to Istanbul on Monday evening to watch Abraham in action and hold discussions with relevant parties, but no breakthrough has materialized.
The 28-year-old joined Besiktas on loan from Roma last summer and has already met the thresholds required to trigger the obligation to purchase, complicating any potential January departure (Sky Sports).
As a result of this, the Turkish side would need to agree alternative arrangements before Abraham could return to Villa Park.
Just in case a deal cannot be done, Villa have turned their attention to Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, identifying the French forward as a Premier League-proven alternative capable of delivering immediately.
Ornstein confirmed Villa’s interest in Mateta has intensified in recent hours as the Abraham deal presents roadblocks.
The Palace striker represents an intriguing option for Emery following Donyell Malen’s departure to Roma last week. Mateta scored 17 goals across 46 appearances last season, playing a crucial role in Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph.
He has somewhat continued that form this campaign with seven league goals, establishing himself as Oliver Glasner’s most reliable attacking outlet.
This being said, even though Villa are considering their options, they haven’t given up on Abraham by any means and remain in talks.
That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who says that Emery has also been offered the chance to sign another former Chelsea star.
Aston Villa offered AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Indeed, Bailey says that Villa have been floated an opportunity to strike a deal for Ruben Loftus-Cheek after they missed out on Conor Gallagher earlier in the window.
The Englishman has been in and out of Milan’s starting eleven this season, and with his contract expiring next year, it appears the Rossoneri could be looking to find Loftus-Cheek a buyer before they lose him for free.
Loftus-Cheek is closing in on a century of appearances for Milan since his move there in 2023, but the curtain may now be drawing on his time at the San Siro as a Premier League return gets touted.
Given his previous experience as both an England international and Premier League star, Loftus-Cheek could be a solid alternative to Gallagher.
Speaking back in 2021, pundit Rio Ferdinand noted that Loftus-Cheek has shades of Yaya Toure when at his very best, calling the ex-Blue a ‘fantastic player’ when on form.
“I love him,” said Ferdinand. “He’s a fantastic specimen first and foremost. I liken him in full flow, like we are seeing him now, to Yaya Toure. He can intimidate players, when he turns and gets in full pelt.”
Loftus-Cheek has also enjoyed productive stints at Crystal Palace and Fulham during his career, with Villa potentially next on the list if Emery’s side fancy it.
Better than Abraham: Aston Villa keen on signing “extraordinary” £35m striker
The sensational striker would be an even better signing than Abraham for Aston Villa.
